Wrench for Jar-Top Valve Covers

ABSTRACT

A wrench for a valve includes an elongated member having a first end portion and a second end portion. A first leg and a second leg are attached to the first end portion. The first leg and the second leg extend at an angle with respect to each other to form a gap therebetween. The first leg and second leg both having an inner surface for engaging with an outer surface of a bonnet and both legs having a front surface for engaging with a side surface of a rib attached to the outer surface of the bonnet. The wrench also including a handle attached to the second end portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/055,483, filed 24 Jan. 2011, titled “Wrench for Jar-Top ValveCovers,” which claims the benefit of International PCT Application No.PCT/US10/46320, filed 23 Aug. 2010, titled “Wrench for Jar-Top ValveCovers,” all of which are hereby incorporated by reference for allpurposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present application relates generally to the field of wrenches and,more particularly, to wrenches adapted for irrigation systems.

2. Description of Related Art

Irrigation systems are well known in the art for effectively channelingwater from a reservoir to a designated area, i.e., a household lawn, andinclude one or more of a plurality of conduits, valves, sprinklers, andother related devices.

Irrigation valves regulate water flowing through the irrigation systemand are typically positioned within an underground housing. Irrigationvalves are manufactured in different shapes and sizes, but share acommon characteristic, namely, a conduit section for channeling waterand a joint for opening and closing the conduit. Some irrigation valvesinclude bonnets or similar devices for providing access to the innercavity of the conduit for maintenance.

Removing the bonnet from the valve can be a difficult process due to thelimited working space within the housing and because the bonnets becomevery tight and hard to remove over time. For at least these reasons, theworker will generally use pliers or other suitable means for removingthe bonnet.

Tools, such as handheld pliers, are effective in removing the bonnetwhen ample space is provided within the underground housing. The pliersincrease the gripping and torque forces applied to the bonnet, whichallows a worker to disengage the bonnet from the valve. However,handheld pliers become ineffective in confined spaces. In some cases, itis necessary to excavate the area around the housing and remove thehousing to obtain sufficient leverage to rotate the bonnet withconventional pliers.

A cup wrench is an alternative device for removing bonnets. The cupwrench includes a cup-shaped housing configured for fitting over thebonnet. The housing has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter ofthe bonnet. In operation, the worker places the housing over the bonnetsuch that the inner surface of the housing fits snuggly against thesides of the bonnet. Thereafter, the worker rotates the cup wrench,which in turn disengages the bonnet from the valve. As is shown in FIG.1 of the drawings, solenoids, screws, wires and other devices areattached to the top surface of the bonnet, which increases thedifficultly, if not making it impossible, to remove the bonnet withconventional cup wrenches. It should also be understood that a cupwrench has a fixed diameter adapted to fit on a bonnet having aparticular diameter. The cup wrench is not configured to remove bonnetshaving different diameters.

Although the foregoing developments represent great strides in the areaof wrenches for irrigation systems, many shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the application are setforth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as wellas a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantagesthereof, will best be understood with reference to the followingdetailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a conventional valve positioned within anunderground housing;

FIG. 2 is an oblique view of a bonnet of the valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an oblique view of a wrench according to the preferredembodiment of the present application shown engaging the bonnet of FIG.1;

FIG. 4A is a front view of the wrench of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B is a right view of the wrench of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the wrench ofFIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the wrench ofFIG. 3.

While the preferred embodiment of the present application is susceptibleto various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodimentsthereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are hereindescribed in detail. It should be understood, however, that thedescription herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit theinvention to the particular embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the preferredembodiment of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The wrench of the present application overcomes the disadvantages ofconventional wrenches; specifically, the wrench comprises two or morelegs adapted for engaging the bonnet, the legs provide the necessarygripping and torque means for effectively removing the bonnet inconfined areas, the legs also extend at an angle with respect to eachother, thereby forming a gap therebetween which receives bonnets havingdifferent diameters. The gap also allows the worker to quickly andeasily maneuver the wrench around the various devices attached to thetop surface of the bonnet, i.e., solenoids, screws, and wires. Inaddition, the wrench is a multi-purpose tool further comprising ascrewdriver bit and/or other devices attached thereto.

The wrench of the present application will be understood, both as to itsstructure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken inconjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments ofthe wrench are presented herein. It should be understood that variouscomponents, parts, and features of the different embodiments may becombined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which arewithin the scope of the present application, even though not allvariations and particular embodiments may be specifically illustrated inthe drawings.

It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actualembodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made toachieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance withsystem-related and business-related constraints, which will vary fromone implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated thatsuch a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 in the drawings illustrates an oblique view of a conventionalirrigation valve 101 positioned within an underground housing 103. Valve101 regulates the flow of water channeled through the irrigation system(not shown), and in this particular embodiment, valve 101 is a Jar Topvalve manufactured by Rain Bird®. It should be understood that thewrench of the present application could easily be adapted for othertypes of irrigation valves having similar characteristics as valve 101.Valve 101 comprises a conduit 105 and a joint or similar means (notshown) disposed within conduit 105 for opening and closing the waterpassage therethrough. Valve 101 is further provided with a bonnet 107threadedly attached to conduit 105. Bonnet 107 provides access to theinner cavity of conduit 105, a feature particularly desired as a workerperforms maintenance on valve 101.

Bonnet 107 is preferable threadedly attached to the top portion ofconduit 105; however, alternative embodiments could include differentmeans, i.e., a quick-release device or screws, in lieu of threads forattaching bonnet 107 to conduit 105. During maintenance, the workerrotates bonnet 107 to disengage bonnet 107 from conduit 105. The processof removing the bonnet can be difficult due to the limited working areawithin housing 103 and because bonnet 107 becomes very tight and hard toremove over time. For at least these reasons, the worker will typicallyuse pliers or other suitable means for removing bonnet 107.

Various devices are attached to the top surface of bonnet 107. In thisembodiment, solenoid 109 and screw 111 are attached to the top surfaceof bonnet 107 for regulating the flow of water channeled through conduit105. One or more wires 113 are coupled to solenoid 109, which areconductively coupled to a control system (not shown) for controllingsolenoid 109. It should be understood that solenoid 109, screw 111, andwires 113 increase the difficultly of removing bonnet 107 forconventional cup wrenches, as described above, because the solenoid,screw, and wires must fit within the cup housing before the worker canapply rotational movement on the bonnet. Further description andillustration of bonnet 107 are provided below with regard to FIG. 2.

Valve 101 and other components of the irrigation system, i.e., piping(not shown), are positioned within a cavity 115 formed by housing 103.The pipes, valves, wires, and other irrigation components disposedwithin cavity 115 decreases the working space therein, thus, increasingthe difficulty of removing bonnet 107 from valve 101. Housing 103comprises one or more of a side wall 117, a lid 119, and a port 121 forallowing pipes to enter and exit housing 103.

Wall 117 has an inner surface 123 that extends peripherally around valve101. The distance between surface 123 and valve 101 is indicated with anarrow A. Distance A varies in alternative embodiments as additionalvalves, pipes, wires, and other irrigation components are positionedwithin housing 103, thereby increasing the difficulty of removing bonnet107 from conduit 105 with conventional wrenches such as handheld pliersor cup wrenches.

Lid 119 is attached to an upper portion of wall 117 with a fasteningmeans 125. In this embodiment, fastening means 125 comprises a rimextending around lid 119 that matingly engages with a groove within wall117. The rim-groove embodiment allows the worker to rapidly remove lid119 from housing 103. Lid 119 is further provided with a first hole 127and a second hole 129 that extend through the thickness of lid 119 andare positioned at a distance B with respect to each other. Hole 127 andhole 129 allow the worker to easily pull lid 119 from housing 103. Inoperation, the worker simply positions a rod or similar means throughthe holes and applies a tilting and pulling force thereto, which in turndisengages fastening means 125. Lid 119 preferably comprises two holes;however, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments couldinclude lids having a single hole or lids having one or more holes thatpartially extend through the thickness of the lid.

FIG. 2 in the drawings illustrates an oblique view of bonnet 107. Bonnet107 is manufactured with a circular body 201 having a diameter C andincludes inner threads (not shown) for threading with outer threads ofconduit 105. It should be understood that the wrench of the presentapplication is readily adaptable for use with bonnets having differentshapes and sizes, i.e., a bonnet having a square body in lieu of acircular body.

Body 201 includes an outer surface 203 and one or more of a rib 205attached thereto. Rib 205 provide gripping means for removing body 201from conduit 105 and are generally manufactured with three surfaces, aside surface 207, a side surface 209, and a top surface 211. It shouldbe understood that conventional cup wrenches engage with top surface 211for removing bonnet 107 from valve 101, while the wrench of the presentapplication comprises two or more legs adapted to engage with outersurface 203 and side surface 209 for removing bonnet 107 from valve 101.

FIG. 3 in the drawings illustrates an oblique view of a wrench 301according to the preferred embodiment of the present application. Wrench301 overcomes the disadvantages of conventional wrenches, namely, wrench301 comprises a first leg 303 and a second leg 305 adapted for engagingbonnet 107, wherein leg 303 and leg 305 provide the necessary grippingand torque means for effectively removing bonnet 107 in the confinedcavity 115. In addition, leg 303 and leg 305 extend at an angle withrespect to each other, thereby allowing wrench 301 to engage withbonnets having different shapes and diameters. Leg 303 and leg 305 arepreferable oriented at a 34 degree angle with respect to each other;however, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments couldinclude legs extending at different angles with respect to each other.The gap formed between leg 303 and leg 305 allows the worker to maneuverwrench 301 around solenoid 109, screw 111, and wires 113 positioned onthe top surface of bonnet 107. In addition, wrench 301 is amulti-purpose tool further comprising one or more devices attachedthereto.

Leg 303 and leg 305 include one or more surfaces for engaging bonnet107, for example, leg 303 has an inner surface 307 adapted to fit snuglyagainst surface 203 and a front surface 309 that engages with surface209. In operation, leg 303 and leg 305 are pressed down against body 201such that a tight fit is created therebetween, then the worker rotateswrench 301 such that surface 309 of leg 303 exerts a rotational forceagainst rib 205, which in turn disengages bonnet 107 from valve 101.Likewise, the worker can repeat the operational process by applying acounter-rotational movement, thereby tightening bonnet 107 to valve 101.Wrench 301 preferably comprises two legs; however, it should beappreciated that alternative embodiments could include more or less legsfor disengaging the bonnet from the valve.

Wrench 301 is further provided with an elongated member 311 having twoend portions, a first end portion 313 attached to a handle 315 and asecond end portion 317 attached to leg 303 and leg 305. Wrench 301 ispreferably manufactured as a single body comprising member 311, handle315, leg 303, and leg 305; however it should be appreciated thatalternative embodiments could include detachable components, i.e., adetachable handle, in lieu of the preferred embodiment. Wrench 301 ispreferably composed of a metallic material such as an iron alloy;however, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments couldinclude different materials such as wood, composite, plastic, or othersuitable materials in lieu of the preferred metallic material.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of wrench 301, while FIG. 4Billustrates a right view of wrench 301. Leg 303 and leg 305 extend at anangle D with respect to each other, which forms gap 401 therebetween.Gap 401 allows the user to easily maneuver wrench 301 around solenoid109, screw 111, and wires 113 attached to the top surface of bonnet 107.An arrow E indicates the distance between the inner surface 307 of leg303 and a surface 403 of leg 305. Inner surface 307 and inner surface403 are adapted to fit snuggly against surface 203 of bonnet 107. Thedistance E varies along the length of leg 303 and leg 305, which allowswrench 301 to engage bonnets having different diameters.

Wrench 301 is further provided with a flat head screwdriver bit 405securely fastened to end portion 407 of leg 303. Screwdriver bit 405 ispreferably rigidly attached to wrench 301; however, it should beappreciated that alternative embodiments could include attachment meansfor coupling bit 405 to leg 303. For example, an alternative embodimentcould include a quick-release device attached to leg 303 that interlockswith the screwdriver bit, thereby allowing the worker to switch betweendifferent types of fasteners and devices used with irrigation systems.

FIG. 4B illustrates a right view of wrench 301. Leg 305 includes asurface 409 for contact with side surface 209 of rib 205 duringtightening of bonnet 107 to valve 101. In operation, leg 303 and leg 305are pressed down against body 201 such that a tight fit is createdtherebetween, then the worker counter-rotational force such that surface409 of leg 305 exerts a rotational force against surface 209 of rib 205,which in turn tightens bonnet 107 to valve 101.

Wrench 301 is preferably manufactured with a ½ inch square stockmaterial; however, it should be appreciated that alternative embodimentscould include materials having different sizes and geometric profiles,i.e., a bar stock material having a ½ inch circular cross-sectionalprofile. The preferred square stock material maximizes the contactsurfaces between wrench 301 and bonnet 107.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of wrench 301. Wrench 501is substantially similar in form and function to wrench 301. Wrench 501comprises an elongated member 503 having two end portions, a first endportion 505 attached to a handle 507 and a second end portion 509attached to a leg 511 and a leg 513. Wrench 501 is further provided witha gripping material 515, an extension 517, a socket adapter 519, and twoposts 521.

Gripping material 515 provides additional contact friction between leg511 and surface 203 of bonnet 107. Gripping material 515 is shownattached to inner surface 523 of leg 511; however, it should beappreciated that gripping material 515 could be attached to any surfaceof wrench 501, including a front surface 525 for providing additionalfriction between leg 511 and side surface 207 of bonnet 107. Grippingmaterial 515 is preferably manufactured with an adhesive and/orelastomeric material; however, it should be appreciated that alternativeembodiments could include different types of materials, i.e., acomposite material, in lieu of the preferred material.

Wrench 501 preferably includes a treated surface 527 for providingadditional gripping during operation. Treated surface 527 can includegroves, knurls, etches, dimples, and/or other suitable surfacetreatments. Treated surface 527 is shown applied to leg 511; however, itshould be appreciated that treated surface 527 could be applied to anysurface of wrench 501.

Wrench 501 is further provided with a Phillips screwdriver bit 529securely fastened to surface 531 of leg 511. Screwdriver bit 529 ispreferably rigidly attached to wrench 501; however, it should beappreciated that alternative embodiments could include attachment meansfor coupling bit 529 to leg 511. For example, an alternative embodimentcould include a leg having a quick-release device that interlocks withthe screwdriver bit, thereby allowing the worker to fasten other typesof fasteners and devices used with irrigation systems.

Extension member 517 increases the length of leg 513 and preferablyincludes a fastening means 533 attached to extension member 517 forfastening with various types of fasteners and devices, i.e., ascrewdriver bit, socket adapter, a magnet, or an Allen wrench.

Socket adapter 519 is preferably attached to an upper surface 535 ofhandle 507 and provides fastening means for devices and fasteners usedwith irrigation systems. For example, sockets, long screwdrivers, or ahousing for a cup wrench (see FIG. 6) could fasten to socket adapter519. Handle 507 is further provided with one or more posts 521 spacedapart by a distance F and adapted for removing lid 119 from housing 103.Posts 521 are configured for fitting within hole 127 and hole 129 of lid119, thus, distance F is equal to distance B, as depicted in FIG. 1. Inoperation, the worker places posts 521 through hole 127 and hole 129 andapplies rotational and tilting movement thereto, which in turndisengages lid 119 from wall 117. It should be understood that thatposts 521 could be easily used with different embodiments having holesthat do not extend through the thickness of lid 119. For example,alternative embodiments of lid 119 could include holes that partiallyextend through the thickness of lid 119. In these embodiments, theworker can manipulate wrench 501 with posts 521 such that posts 521interlock with one or more holes, thereby allowing the worker to apply abending force thereto to disengage lid 119 from housing 103.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of wrench 301. Wrench 601is substantially similar in form and function to wrench 301. Wrench 601comprises an elongated member 603 having two end portions, a first endportion 605 attached to a handle 607 and a second end portion 609attached to a leg 611 and a leg 613. Wrench 601 is further provided witha socket adapter 615 or similar means for coupling with a cup housing617.

Cup housing 617 has an inner diameter G, which is slightly larger thandiameter C of bonnet 107. During operation, the worker positions housing617 on bonnet 107 such that the inner surfaces of housing 617 snugly fitagainst surface 211 of rib 205, then the worker rotates wrench 601,which in turn disengages bonnet 107 from valve 101.

It is evident by the foregoing description that the wrench for anirrigation system has significant benefits and advantages, including:(1) two or more legs adapted for engaging the bonnet, the legs providingthe necessary gripping and torque means for effectively removing thebonnet in confined areas; (2) the legs extending at an angle withrespect to each for removing bonnets having different shapes anddiameters; (3) the legs forming a gap therebetween so as to easilymaneuver around devices attached to the top of the bonnet; and (4) thewrench being a multi-purpose tool further comprising devices andfasteners attached thereto for working on irrigation system components.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as theinvention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalentmanners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of theteachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particularembodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all suchvariations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention.Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in thedescription. It is apparent that an invention with significantadvantages has been described and illustrated. Although the presentinvention is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited tojust these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modificationswithout departing from the spirit thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wrench for a valve having a bonnet, the bonnethaving a body with an outer surface and a rib attached to and extendingfrom the outer surface, the rib having a side surface, the wrenchcomprising: an elongated member having: a first end portion and anopposing second end portion; a t-shaped handle attached to the first endportion; a first leg attached to the second end portion, the first leghaving: a rigid rectangular shape and a front surface and an innersurface; and a second leg having a rigid rectangular shape; the secondleg attached to the second end portion, the first leg and the second legextend away from the second end at a non-zero angle with respect to eachother, thereby forming a gap, the gap being unobstructed between thefirst leg and the second leg, so as to permit the bonnet to engage thefirst leg along the inner surface from the second end to an end portionof the first leg; wherein the inner surface of the first leg engages theouter surface of the bonnet and the front surface of the first legengages the side surface of the rib during removal of the bonnet fromthe valve.
 2. The wrench according to claim 1, further comprising: asocket adapter attached to the t-shaped handle.
 3. The wrench accordingto claim 2, further comprising: a cup housing coupled to the socketadapter.
 4. The wrench according to claim 1, further comprising: a firstpost attached to a first end of the t-shaped handle extending in adirection relatively orthogonal to the length of the t-shaped handle;and a second post attached to a second end of the t-shaped handleextending in a direction relatively orthogonal to the length of thet-shaped handle.
 5. The wrench according to claim 1, further comprising:a gripping material attached to the first leg.
 6. The wrench accordingto claim 1, further comprising: a surface treatment to increase thegripping force.
 7. A wrench for a valve having a bonnet, the bonnethaving a body with an outer surface and a rib attached to and extendingfrom the outer surface, the rib having a side surface, the wrenchcomprising: an elongated member having: a first end portion and anopposing second end portion; a t-shaped handle attached to the first endportion; and a first leg attached to the second end portion, the firstleg having: a rigid rectangular shape and a front surface and an innersurface; and a second leg having a rigid rectangular shape; the secondleg attached to the second end portion, the first leg and the second legextend away from the second end at a non-zero angle with respect to eachother, thereby forming a v-shaped gap, the v-shaped gap beingunobstructed between the first leg and the second leg, so as to permitthe bonnet to engage the first leg along the inner surface from thesecond end to an end portion of the first leg; wherein the inner surfaceof the first leg engages the outer surface of the bonnet and the frontsurface of the first leg engages the side surface of the rib duringremoval of the bonnet from the valve; and wherein the front surface ofthe first leg is parallel to the rib.
 8. The wrench according to claim7, further comprising: a gripping material attached to the first leg. 9.The wrench according to claim 7, further comprising: a post attached tothe t-shaped handle.
 10. The wrench according to claim 7, furthercomprising: a socket adapter attached to the t-shaped handle.
 11. Thewrench according to claim 10, further comprising: a cup housing coupledto the socket adapter.
 12. The wrench according to claim 7, furthercomprising: a surface treatment applied to the inner surface of thefirst leg and to the front surface of the first leg to increase thegripping force.
 13. A method for disengaging a bonnet threadedlyattached to a valve positioned in an underground housing, the bonnethaving a body with an outer surface and a rib attached to and extendingfrom the outer surface, the rib having a side surface, the methodcomprising: providing a wrench having an elongated member including at-shaped handle being attached to a first leg and attached to a secondleg, the first leg and the second leg extend away from the second end ata non-zero angle with respect to each other, thereby forming a gap, thefirst leg and the second leg being non-parallel from the second end toan end portion of the first leg, the gap being unobstructed between thefirst leg and the second leg, so as to permit the bonnet to engage thefirst leg along the inner surface from the second end to an end portionof the first leg; locating the wrench over the bonnet until the bonnetengages the inner surface, thereby creating a tight fit there between;rotating the wrench, such that a front surface of the first leg contactsthe side surface of the rib, thereby disengaging the bonnet from thevalve.
 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:engaging the first post with a lid in communication with the housing,the lid being releasably coupled the housing; applying a turning forceto the elongated member, thereby disengaging the lid from the housing;and removing the lid from the housing.